Credit: Matt Stone

Credit: Matt Stone

The Democratic candidates for governor debate today in the Boston Herald Radio studio.

Credit: Matt Stone

A sign holder for Steve Grossman walks with a rolled up sign on Summer Street before the Boston Herald gubernatorial radio debate today.

prevnext

The debate between the Democratic candidates for governor kicked off in high gear today as Treasurer Steve Grossman went on the attack over Attorney General Martha Coakley's $100,000 settlement with a lobbying group.

"It's the worst form of judgment," said Grossman, who slammed what he called the go-easy environment on Beacon Hill.

On Market Basket, Grossman said, if elected governor, he would not have given the workers "a lecture," but would have jumped in to help if asked.

* * * *

The AG asked Grossman why he is shipping campaign contracts out of state?

Grossman said he has brought "the vast" amount of his printing over to Brockton.

Berwick said: "You're hearing the problem over here. Back and forth. Back in forth. ... I've taught and learned modern approaches to management. ... This kind of political back and forth does not help people." He added, "We need an executive in the Corner Office."

* * * *

On Grossman's mother donating to a Super PAC that helps the treasurer, Coakley said, "I have no issue with family members helping those in the race."

Grossman said his mom didn't give him the money, he added: "You should pick up the phone" ... and invite his mother into the Herald. He then gave out her number over the air. "She is the glue that kept my family together." He said they had "one conversation about it."

* * * *

As for patronage hires, they all agreed it's bad government.

Coakley: "To me the best antidote is disclosure."

Grossman: "I will not hire a relatives ... I think it's a bad idea."

Berwick: "I would look for the best people" and not hire a relative.

* * * *

On legalized gambling, Berwick called it poison for the poor.

"Casinos are predators of the poor," Berwick, the anti-casino candidate in this race, said adding he would have to back the law if the repeal Nov. 4 fails. But, he added, he would "make sure casinos don't hurt the communities they are in."

Coakley said: The Legislature voted for it."

Grossman said: He's looking to bring the $840 million Bay Staters spend at casinos outside the state back into Massachusetts.

Berwick added he's heard the total spent outside the state is $93 million.

* * * *

As for traveling outside the state, all three said they would go if they had to to help bring jobs to the state.